Thought for the week from Cardinal Newman

All Saints

And such a host was also seen by the favoured Apostle, as described in the chapter from which the Epistle of the day is taken. "I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands ... These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." [Rev. vii. 9, 14.]

This great multitude, which no man could number, is gathered into this one day's commemoration, the goodly fellowship of the Prophets, the noble army of Martyrs, the Children of the Holy Church Universal, who have rested from their labours.

Busy week ahead!

There is lots going on in and around Newman House during this coming week or so. Here goes:

Monday
CathSoc - Rabbi Burden: Shabat, 7.30pm

Wednesday
Interfaith: Visit to the Islamic Centre of England. Sign up opposite reception, or contact Sr Mary.

Thursday
All Saints’ Day: Holyday of Obligation
Mass 12.30, 5.30 (sung) & 9pm

Friday
All Souls’ Day
Mass 12.30, 5.30 (sung) & 9pm

Saturday
All Night Vigil
9pm – 7.30am

Sunday 4th Nov
Br Paul from the Taizé Community, 12noon

Weds 7th Nov
Interfaith: Synagogue Visit, St John’s Wood. For more details please contact Sr Mary.

CC

Pope's Representative Visits Newman House

His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Muñoz, presided over a celebration of Vespers at Newman House Chaplaincy (111 Gower Street) on Wednesday 24th October. Bishops Alan Hopes and Bernard Longley were also in attendance.

After Vespers there was an opportunity for a number of the students to meet with the Nuncio. This was followed by a very festive dinner attended by most of the former Senior Chaplains since the House was bought by Cardinal Heenan in 1966.

This event marks the end of a series of celebrations to mark the 40th Anniversary Year. The Celebrations began in November 2006 with the visit of Cardinal Francis Arinze to celebrate the Academic Mass

A wonderful time was had by all, and we were delighted to welcome the Nuncio, the Bishops and the former Senior Chaplains to be with us.

(from left to right: Canon Patrick Davies,
Fr David Barnes, Bishop Alan Hopes, Mgr James Overton, H.E. The Papal Nuncio, Bishop Bernard Longley, Fr Peter Wilson, and Mr Bruce Kent).

Since 1966 the Senior Chaplains have been:

Bruce Kent 1966-74
Francis Hegarty 1974 - 1980 (deceased)
Patrick Davies 1980-87
David Barnes 1987-92
James Overton 1992-1998
Jeremy Fairhead 1998-2002
Peter Wilson 2002 -

CathSoc Seeks 'The Heart Of The Church'.

Monday Night's CathSoc featured a talk on 'The Heart of the Church'. Sister Kathy was our guest and talked about the importance of the Virgin Mary in the history and current period in the Roman Catholic Church. She illustrated the role she has played and still plays in uniting different 'opinions' and 'outlooks', and thus helping to hold Roman Catholics together. Sister Kathy then invited questions.... a brave move in CathSoc! There was a real sense of students asking questions thoughtfully and honestly, with well considered queries that had arisen as a result of the talk. Sister Kathy made sure all those who had their hands up were heard and then gave other students the opportunity to respond to one another, as well as answering them herself. After the discussion, Gideon gave a vote of thanks and Ellie presented Sister Kathy with a small gift on behalf of CathSoc to show our appreciation. We then had coffee and a chat, made all the more enjoyable by another strong turnout for the event. Students then finished their time together with Evening Prayer in the chapel. A great way to end another sucessful Monday at Cathsoc! You are all welcome to join us in Newman House for CathSoc on Monday's at 7.30pm, so do come along!

Images From Fresher's Mass

A Full House For Fresher's Mass.

On Sunday morning a packed chapel eagerly awaited the arrival Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor for Fresher's Mass. Only early arrivals found a seat and as Mass began a queue had formed spilling out into the corridor. The Cardinal invited those standing outside to come in and sit on the floor, and a long stream of students came through the chapel door and found some floor space. The Cardinal spoke about the importance of our student lives and focussed on how we should take time to be with God throughout the academic year to grow deeper in ourselves. In response to the question he had heard posed by the BBC series 'Who Do You Think You Are?', he reminded us that we must remember we are people known and loved by God. He then commissioned our chaplains for their work over the coming year. After Mass he congratulated the choir and all students for their singing and enthusiasm in worship. He then joined with Newman House residents and visitors to talk with them over a coffee. There was also pizza being handed around to everyone, although, I didn't see the Cardinal with a slice!

Thought for the week from Cardinal Newman

Break a ray of light into its constituent colours, each is beautiful, each may be enjoyed; attempt to unite them, and perhaps you produce only a dirty white. The pure and indivisible Light is seen only by the blessed inhabitants of heaven; here we have but such faint reflections of it as its diffraction supplies; but they are sufficient for faith and devotion.

United Nations...International Night.

From top: Karen serves up, Father Peter pours out and Erica and Laure look likely to tuck in!

The flags of the world, the people of the world and perhaps most importantly the food of the world! If you'd walked along Gower Street on Friday evening you'd be forgiven for mistaking the basement of Newman House as a conference centre for the latest talks on resolution 441 to help combat climate change.

As it happened, it was in fact the Newman House residents enjoying food and friendship for 'International Night'. Nearly the whole house turned up to enjoy the event. There was food for all, as each resident cooked their own cultural and national dishes for eachother to enjoy. As well as displaying culinary delights, the evening also gave the opportunity for everyone to wear their national dress, and many residents were only to willing to display their traditional costumes. From kilts to stillettos and tweed to pearls. There was a truly international flavour to the whole night. And best of all was the opportunity everyone had to meet new people and make new friends. Another successful night provided by everyone and for everyone!

Cath Soc Meet Again.

After a brilliant first week 'meet and greet' for CathSoc, many students returned for a 'pub quiz' on Monday night, hosted by Ellie Kirby (president). The theme was of a religious nature and everyone appeared to enjoy the evening. Particularly 'Team St Marcel' who emerged victorious! Sister Mary also spoke to us all after the quiz and then we finished the event with Evening Prayer in the chapel. There's lots going on at CathSoc throughout the term and you're all welcome, so do come along and make friends.

Our House Performers.

The talented trio, from left to right; Monika (piano), Erika (vocals) and Keith (violin).

A big 'Congratulations' to Erika, Keith and Monika, who took to the stage on Wednesday evening to display their musical talents. All three performed to a large crowd in the heart of Covent Garden at the Club for Acts and Actors. Many Newman House residents went along to support them and certainly did not leave disappointed! We arrived for drinks at the bar and then went downstairs to take our seats for the performance. To kick off, Erika sang Ave Maria and Handel's O had I Jubal's Lyre. These were followed by Keith on violin, with Serenade, Cantabile and Estrellita. Finally Monika treated us all to some Chopin and Brahms, and even the classic English Country Garden. Erika and Monika closed the concert with Lloyd Webber's Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera. They performed so professionally and confidently, each giving so much expression to the pieces they played and sang. The end of the concert was met with huge applause and cheers, a sign of how well they all did. A great evening!

The 'New'-Newman House blogger.

Dear all visitors,

I am Christopher Stringer and will be responsible for updating this website with the latest news and events taking place in Newman House. If you would like to contribute something or have any suggestions please let me know (Room 215).
I hope you find this blog a useful source to help you know what's been going on. It would be nice to see the blog working as an opportunity for all those interested to make a contribution. So, please add your posts.

Thanks,
Chris.